I support sensible renewable electricity incentives that encourage diverse energy technology, ease the strain on the environment, provide energy security, and create local jobs.  I believe our nation needs to take a varied approach to becoming energy independent, while making sure to address environmental and safety concerns. 

Furthermore, I have been a strong advocate for better and more reliable public transportation, including bus, passenger, and rail service, such as the extension of Metrorail to Dulles International Airport; the expansion of Virginia Railway Express service in Northern Virginia; and funding for the Norfolk Light Rail Project in Hampton Roads, which will open in 2010.  

Lastly, I continue to support residential and commercial energy-efficiency incentives to reduce our energy consumption and dependence on foreign energy sources. I am cosponsor of bipartisan Senate legislation that will provide targeted incentives for homeowners who make energy efficiency investments in their homes.
The HOMESTAR Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 will provide up to $6 billion in time-limited incentives to American homeowners, combined with private-sector investment, to retrofit an estimated three million homes over two years. Economists and industry experts estimate it also will create or maintain more than 150,000 U.S. manufacturing and construction jobs.  A summary of the Senate legislation can be found here.

I’m pleased that The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which I supported, commits more than $8 billion in funding to strengthen efficient transportation, including increasing access to public transit and developing light rail services.